About this Unit
USS **Altair** (AK-257) was a cargo ship acquired by the United States Navy during the Cold War era. Originally built as the SS Aberdeen Victory in 1944, she was converted and commissioned as USS Altair in 1952. The ship served with the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), providing crucial logistical support by transporting supplies and equipment to U.S. and allied forces, particularly during the Korean War and early Vietnam War periods. After a decade of service, Altair was decommissioned in 1969 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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Origins as a Liberty Ship: USS Altair (AK-257) began her life as the Liberty ship SS Robert H. Smith, launched in October 1944. These mass-produced cargo ships were critical to Allied logistics during World War II.
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Conversion to Naval Service: After World War II, she was acquired by the US Navy in 1951 and converted at the Maryland Drydock Company into a stores ship (AKS-32), a vital supply vessel for fleet operations.
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Renaming and Reclassification: Upon conversion, she was renamed Altair and designated AK-257 (later AKS-32), becoming the third US Navy ship to bear the name inspired by the bright star Altair in the constellation Aquila.
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Korean War Service: Altair provided logistic support during the Korean War, supplying goods and equipment to US and allied forces, showcasing the importance of supply ships in modern warfare.
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Support during the Cold War: Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Altair played a crucial role in supporting the US 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, acting as a floating warehouse and supply center for deployed ships.
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Notable Mediterranean Operations: Altair was instrumental during several crises in the Mediterranean, including the Suez Crisis in 1956 and the Lebanon Crisis in 1958, ensuring operational readiness of US naval forces.
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Innovative Supply Techniques: She was among the first ships to employ alongside replenishment at sea (UNREP), passing supplies while underway, which greatly increased the Navy’s operational range and flexibility.
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Humanitarian Missions: Besides military duties, Altair was involved in humanitarian efforts, often delivering aid and supplies to disaster-stricken areas in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Altair was decommissioned in 1969 after nearly two decades of service, and was sold for scrap in 1970, marking the end of her long and diverse naval career.
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Legacy: Though not as famous as combat ships, Altair’s dependable service exemplifies the vital role of logistics and supply ships in sustaining naval operations, earning her the nickname "Fleet’s Lifeline."
